Tsukuba, Japan—Knee injuries are among the most serious and common injuries in rugby. Developing effective prevention strategies requires the identification of aspects of physical performance—such as power, muscle strength, and balance—that contribute to severe knee injuries during competition. This study employed a longitudinal design, comprehensive quantitative performance metrics, epidemiological injury surveillance, and previously reported cross-sectional assessments to identify risk factors.
Seventy-nine male rugby players from a university team were recruited as candidates for the 2023 season. Preseason performance tests evaluated baseline strength, balance, and movement errors. Injury data collected throughout the season were used to assess the incidence, severity, burden, and mechanisms of knee injuries. Of the 58 players included in the analysis, 15 knee injuries were recorded in 13 players, with two sustaining multiple injuries. The analysis indicated that injuries resulting from direct contact were associated with greater severity and burden. Furthermore, a high limb symmetry index for hip internal rotation strength and hip extension strength were identified as potential risk factors for knee injury.
These findings highlight the importance of performance monitoring and conditioning management and may serve as valuable indicators for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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This study was funded by JST SPRING under grant number JPMJSP2124.
Title of original paper:
Factors Associated with Knee Injury Occurrence Using Performance Tests in Male University Rugby Players
Journal:
The Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
Professor NAKATA, Yoshio
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba
OGURA, Ayane
Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Associate Professor OGAKI, Ryo
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences
The Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
Factors associated with knee injury occurrence using performance tests in male university rugby players
2-Feb-2026